Saudi Arabia revoked licences of 74 private schools after inspections found lapses and missing approvals/Representative image
Saudi Arabia’s education authorities have withdrawn the operating licences of 74 private schools in multiple cities across the Kingdom, tightening oversight as part of a broader effort to protect student safety and preserve standards in the private education sector.The decision was announced by the Saudi Ministry of Education following the identification of repeated regulatory violations at the affected institutions. Officials said the move reflects the ministry’s commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment and ensuring that private schools meet all approved educational and operational requirements.According to the ministry, inspection visits carried out over the past period revealed that several schools had failed to renew their licences or comply with updated regulatory conditions. These lapses triggered enforcement action after schools continued operating despite not meeting mandatory standards designed to safeguard students and uphold education quality.The violations identified included the absence of a valid operating licence and the lack of an approved safety licence, specifically a Civil Defence certificate. Both documents are compulsory for private schools to continue functioning legally in the Kingdom. The ministry stressed that operating without these approvals poses direct risks to students and undermines the integrity of the educational environment.To prevent disruption to student’s education, the ministry said it has taken steps to ensure continuity of learning. Affected students have been directly transferred to public schools, while parents have also been given the option to move their children to private schools of their choice. The aim, officials said, is to allow students to complete their studies without interruption in a safe and appropriate setting close to their homes.The revocation of licences followed a series of regulatory measures, escalating warnings, and repeated opportunities for corrective action. The ministry noted that the schools concerned failed to address the violations within the required timeframe. It cited the growing risks linked to ongoing non-compliance, irregular educational practices, and the inability of licence holders to meet essential operational standards as key reasons for the decision.Officials said inspections and enforcement efforts will continue as part of ongoing monitoring of private educational institutions across the Kingdom.
